Don't Feed the Trolls

Written by Rose DesRochers

What is a troll? He is a hairy, ugly creature that lives under a bridge. Yet, there is another kind of troll; this troll is a forum group poster who makes a post that is controversial or an outright lie to provoke readers into a flame war. Every time I read a troll’s post I think “Liar, liar, pants on fire.” Sometimes I just want to scream that from the top of my lungs.

What is it that makes people twist the truth to justify their own needs? The story keeps changing or the trolls say things that just don’t add up.

Why is it people can’t mind their own business? I swear that some people just want disruption and chaos. I swear they live for it.

Why do they get enjoyment out of harassing people? People like this have one sole purpose and that is to create a “Flame War,” where a bunch of people are all having their say about a person or a sensitive topic. This benefits only them, so they post lies about good honest people.

They feel by baiting the topic, they will lure you in, where a group of them can pounce on you as soon as you post. Soon your name gets Googled and you are labeled a horrible person.

Scam sites are popping up all over the net and instead of them posting actual statements about scams; they are posting anything and everything that destroys the reputation of good, honest people. Scam sites have quickly become a place to bash other people to benefit the owner and in the end, hard working people who are trying to make a life and career for themselves are victimized.

If you are treating someone this way, I have to ask, are you proud of yourself? Do you really think that this person deserves to be humiliated and flamed on a message board and who are you to decide? Do you really know the amount of damage you are causing to this person?

Sorry but I guess I just do not understand. These people you are flaming are nothing to you. Ewww, and ahhhh and laugh all you want. I bet the one your flaming feels like this animal in a cage. People come back because they want to see the blood, the hurt, and the anger that you are causing to this person. Of course you the baiter, flamer, troll has no problem providing it. No matter how stupid it makes your victim look. It is always the same bull, innuendo, and baiting, followed by threats of exposure. It is good for the ratings isn’t it? If this were a TV show, you'd be a smash hit.

Trolls are nothing more than cruel people who enjoy hurting others. I’m sorry Trolls but I see you as nothing more than someone who likes to stir the pot and cause trouble by twisting a story and filling it with lies to please yourself. I guess what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

Someone is sure to remind me after reading this article, “Rose Desrochers don’t you feed the Trolls.”

So now you know all about trolls. I guess internet trolls are really not any different than the ones that live under the bridge are they?

About the author:

Rose DesRochers is a published poet and freelance writer. Rose has been writing poetry for more than 20 years. She is also the founder of Today's Woman Writing Community http://www.todays-woman.net, a supportive online writing community for men and women over 18. She is also the Assistant Administrator of Invision Graphics Web Development http://www.invision-graphics.com.